Bamiyan University
Bamiyan University is a public higher education institution in Afghanistan that we at the Society of Afghan Engineers have proudly established connections with to expand our academic collaborations and support nationwide engineering education.
Background
At the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE), we are deeply committed to fostering technical capacity, academic development, and humanitarian aid across our homeland. A vital part of this mission has involved engagement with academic institutions to empower the next generation of Afghan engineers and architects. As part of this nationwide outreach, we are proud to have established connections with several prominent higher education institutions, including Bamiyan University.
Through our educational initiatives, we have aimed to provide engineering and architecture students at Bamiyan University, alongside other Afghan institutions, with opportunities to share in our global expertise, access online training, and engage in real-world problem-solving.
The Bamiyan Cave Dwellers Project
Our relationship with the Bamiyan region extends beyond academic connections, reflecting our core commitment to sustainable community development. One of our most significant recent initiatives in the area is the “Building For Peace: Re-housing the Cave Dwellers of Bamiyan” project.
Spearheaded by our Architecture and Urban Design Sub-committee, we launched an International Student Design Competition focused on designing sustainable housing and infrastructure for war-displaced families. Since the 1990s, numerous families have sought refuge in the historic caves near the remains of the giant 6th-century Buddha statues. By engaging university students from Afghanistan and around the globe, we sought to address this acute housing crisis while protecting the structural integrity of this invaluable World Heritage site.
On-the-Ground Collaboration and Research
To ensure our academic and design efforts translate into realistic, implementable solutions, we have engaged with local authorities and communities in Bamiyan.
In February 2022, our SAE representative traveled to Bamiyan city to directly survey the living conditions of the cave-dwelling families. During this visit, we held highly productive meetings with key regional stakeholders, including the Governor of Bamiyan, the Mayor of Bamiyan city, and the Director of the Information and Culture Directorate. We shared our vision for the resettlement project, gathered crucial information on past residential projects like Gunbadak and Tapa-i-Jalal, and secured local support for our housing initiatives.
Looking Ahead
Our ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical implementation. Moving forward, our implementation task committee has been dedicated to working in close consultation with Bamiyan’s district government authorities, planning officials, and the local residents (users) to evaluate and execute the winning student designs.
We look forward to deepening our relationship with Bamiyan University and the wider Bamiyan community. By continuing to offer our technical resources, organizing educational competitions, and facilitating direct urban planning assistance, we strive to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the region.